TROUT galore - and more young anglers discovering the joys of fishing.

The new trout season on the reservoirs is set to start next month, and Northumbrian Water hope to enhance their reputation as the leading provider of stillwater game fishing in Northern Europe.

An impressive 46,000 angler visits to its North-east fisheries last season included a 30% increase on the previous year in the number of under-17 anglers visiting the reservoirs, from Fontburn in Northumberland to Scaling Dam on our doorstep.

Anglers can bank on £400,000 being spent and at least 140,000 trout being reared and stocked in the coming season.

There’s a new ‘credit cruncher’ - a bargain four-fish day ticket - available from 2.30pm for just £15.

Normal day and season ticket prices have been pegged at last season’s level, and a plastic ‘credit card-style’ loyalty card is being issued to be swiped for anglers to collect their free fishing bonus after seven visits.

To promote extra fun in fishing there will be special daily pools run for anglers aged over 18, at Grassholme, Fontburn and Derwent.

Anglers who put in £1 and catch one of the specially-stocked fish will win the total pool. These fish will include tiger trout and golden trout.

Improved reservoir tackle shops will include special offers and the opportunity to try and buy the new range of SONIK gear – normally only available by mail order.

Don Coe of Northumbrian Water said: “Our emphasis is on having fun while fishing. Encouraging youngsters is a big part of that, with our great value family permit which allows parents or guardians plus any number of their children aged under 17 years to fish for the inclusive price of £25.

“The future of fishing is in the hands of the younger generation and we are doing everything we can to encourage them to go fishing. We are proud of our figures that show many more youngsters are getting hooked on our sport.”

RAINBOWS to 14lb were caught at JUBILEE LAKES where big lures, especially Zonkers and Cat’s Whisker, have caught fish.

Bloodworm have tempted a few and in the milder weather Buzzer hatches in the early afternoon have attracted fish.

WARMER weather has encouraged buzzer hatches at STONEBRIDGE where rainbows to 13lb 4oz have been caught, that one falling to Stuart Sexton of Scorton, who offered an Olive Buzzer.